This is the third book in the Jane Prescott series. The first two books were very enjoyable. While I liked this one, there were some parts that I did not like about this book. The plot was slow moving and the mystery was predictable. Still, this was a worthy novel in the Jane Prescott mystery series!

I have enjoyed this series but this one seemed to drag for me. The writing was excellent as usual I just think the mystery didn’t pull me in like it usually does.

this was a really enjoyable read, I love Jane Prescott and the way Ms. Fredericks writes. This book had what I was looking for in a mystery book and something in this series. I really enjoyed reading this.

All of the books in the Jane Prescott series end up being heavier in terms of subject matter than I seem to expect before reading, but that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable and satisfying.

Charming heroine Jane is back for a third round of amateur detective work in Death of an American Beauty, this time focusing on a string of crimes related to her Uncle and his business.

The murders in this one are grisly, as are the backstories of some of the victims, but Fredericks again proves a deft hand at tackling such subject matter without excessively downing out the reader, as she has in her previous novels.

The lovable cast of supporting characters both lightens the mood and helps us continue to further invest in Jane and her world. Jane’s uncle plays a larger role in this book and the Benchleys a smaller one than in the previous novels, but the shift in focus seems to help keep the series fresh. And thankfully we see very little of the horrid Anna in this book, though she still manages to be thoroughly obnoxious even in the few paragraphs she’s allotted this time around.

While the solve is a bit banal and fairly predictable, it’s still one that satisfies and adds up with the information we’re given throughout the book prior to the big reveal.

And speaking of big reveals, there’s a reveal of a fun side plot point at the end of the book that hints at something enjoyable and different for the fourth installment in the series. I look forward to it.

Jane Prescott is set to go vacation to visit her uncle at the women’s Refuge he runs when her boss asks her to come help with the clothes at a charity event. One of the women from the Refuge ends up murdered and Jane gets involved trying to solve the case. It is an engaging series.
Goodreads

Death of an American Beauty, by Mariah Fredericks, is the third entry in a mystery series set in New York City during the very early part of the twentieth century. It features Jane Prescott, a ladies’ maid, as the primary sleuth. Jane is smart, responsible, complicated, and way, way ahead of her time. She is well-positioned to observe the ways of the “upper” class for whom she works and the working class from whom she came. In 1913, New York is inundated with change of all sorts. Immigration is surging. Manufacturing and the emergence of the department store is changing women’s fashions as well as women’s purchasing power. For better and worse, poor women have new employment possibilities.

Fredericks is a master of bringing these details to life as she vividly depicts the gritty streets of the poor and the opulent offices of the princes of industry and trade. She is equally adept at depicting the social, economic, racial and gender inequities of the time. Unfortunately, neither her characters (with the exception of Jane) nor the mystery they are attempting to resolve rise to the level of the rich backdrop the author has created. The characters seem wooden and dimensionless. The plot and mystery seem contrived.

I would read these books for the history. Where else can you read how the bra was invented and imagine the impact this had on a woman’s daily life? But the characters and plot fall short.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading these books! The mysteries were so entertaining to read, and this historical setting had some really interesting takes and details that were really fascinating to read! Each book kinda focused on a different social change-unions, suffragettes and views on immigrants, specifically Italians. The third book had too much going on to have more. And each of the first two had a pretty important moment in those changes-Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the women marching. So that was great!

Jane is an interesting character to read about. She's maybe an orphan, her mom died, and her dad abandoned her, and she was raised by her uncle-who had a place where prostitutes could be safe and learn new skills to enter the workforce with different jobs. And she's a lady's maid in a time of change.

Each mystery was different from the last. The first was personal because it was her charge's fiance. The second was a fellow servant that she barely knew. And the third, well, it was multiple people who had resided at her uncle's home, making it the most personal. And I loved how she investigated, because the servants do hear what their employers say, because they're pretty invisible when not needed.

We know from the beginnings and ends of these books that Jane is alive more in our time, though maybe a little earlier than now, if she was in her 20's in the 1910's, then she wouldn't be alive in 2020. But she's mentioned some details of her life, like having a daughter, and having dinner with Leo. So I'm wondering about who's the father of her child? What happened in her life after these books? Yeah.

Loved reading these books, and I would absolutely want more books in this series! Especially since at the end of American Beauty, they're headed off to Europe! I would love to see Europe in the 1910's!

Jane Prescott is supposed to be getting a vacation from her life as lady's maid to Louise Tyler in this third volume in the series. Of course, things get complicated very quickly. One of the ladies staying at Jane's uncle's refuge for prostitutes is murdered. Louise makes a frantic call to Jane for help with a society pageant she has been roped into being a part of. And that's just the beginning. It took me a while to get through this book, and I am not sure why. I did like it very much--I liked the new characters the author brings in for this story, I appreciated the way the book branched out to include different settings than the society circles that Jane's employers travel in. The mystery itself was not the best part of this book--as improbable as it was, the reader sees how things are going to go from a mile away. The depiction of the New York of the time, including the fancy department store, Harlem, the dance halls, the lower East Side ... that was the best part for me. It feels like the author may have wrapped things up for Jane at the end of this book, so this may be the last time we see her, I am not totally sure. This has been an enjoyable series, and I recommend it for readers who like a strong historical setting along with their mystery.

(BLOG TOUR SPOTLIGHT)

Book three in the Jane Prescott mystery series, set in Gilded Age New York City, was my introduction to Mariah Fredericks's plucky (and I mean that in the nicest way) ladies'maid heroine, who this go-round has her vacation interrupted when murder strikes too close to her former home. Abandoned by her father at the age of three, Jane arrived in New York to live with her uncle in a former brothel he now runs as a refuge for women trying to start a new and better life. Even with her rather stern uncle, Jane's memories of her childhood home are good ones - though in recent times the refuge finds itself under siege by a band of pious "Christians" determined to shut down the place; so determined, in fact, they allude to Jane's uncle having more than a Christian interest in the women he boards there for free. Things go from bad to worse, however, when one of the more rambunctious of the lady residents is found murdered in an alley not too far from the refuge, her face butchered nearly beyond recognition, and - while also trying to help her employer work on costumes for a huge festival coming up at one of New York's largest/most renowned department stores for women - Jane finds herself playing detective to track down the killer when suspicion falls squarely on her uncle for the crime. My recent experience with mysteries has been more along the "cozy" lines, and that's definitely not what this is; Death of an American Beauty is a pure-blood historical mystery that fares a bit bloodier and randier in subject matter than any cozy. My interest in the book stemmed from my love of New York City and wanting to check out the author's "feel" for how it was back in 1913, and I have to admit that I was captivated by the city - as much a character itself - and its denizens as I was by Jane and the supporting cast, in what ended up being one of my favorites mystery reads in awhile, as well. Jane fixates quite quickly on who she thinks the killer is, the novel not so much about her detection and chasing down suspects (which may throw some mystery junkies, though it made me love the book that much more) as it is about her working through, by process of elimination, who could fit the bill. Even then, for me at least the ending was a surprise - and quite a suspenseful one; I didn't realize, until almost the end of the final confrontation (so to speak), that I'd been chewing on my bottom lip the whole time I was reading. Suspenseful, very well-written - so that you are put into the time and place of NYC 1913 immediately - and with a wholly likable cast of characters (including Jane's employer, male crime reporter friend, former mentor and hat-making friend from the refuge, and potential piano-playing suitor), though this was my introduction to Jane Prescott and her world, I most certainly can't wait to jump back to read the first two, to be able to catch up in time for book four. Very well-done. 4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Death of an American Beauty is the third book in the Jane Prescott series by Mariah Fredericks. The second book was excellent, and I was extremely excited to get my greedy little paws on this one. If you haven't read the previous installments, don't fret; though they share characters, each story stands just fine on it own. I unfortunately haven't had the opportunity to read the first book yet, but I wasn't lost in the least. Series like this one has made me a huge fan of historical mysteries.

Jane Prescott, lady's maid for Louise Tyler, is heading home for a week's vacation. Where is home? That would be a refuge for fallen women run by her uncle, who took Jane in when she was just three years old. Jane is thrilled to begin her time off by going to an art exhibit featuring the shocking cubists. (Cubism is NOT my style of art; give me a Van Gogh any time.). When an animal is found mutilated outside the gallery, Jane doesn't know it's a portent of things to come... Jane's next plan involves the yearly dance for the women in her uncle's shelter. All have a wonderful time, until one of the ladies sneak out. Jane finds her, dead and mutilated; her appearance brings forth memories of someone from Jane's past . If that wasn't enough to ruin a vacation, Mrs. Tyler enlists Jane's aid with costumes for a show by society ladies celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, to take place at the renowned Rutherford's department store. When another women is found murdered and suspicion falls on Jane's uncle, she is determined to figure out who is committing these murders.

This is one murder mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. I figured out whodunit numerous times; apparently detection isn't my strong suit. I was totally taken by suprise. It's the characters, though, who kept me so engaged. Jane is a young woman, but she's seen a lot in her short lifespan. She is smart, stubborn and caring of those in her sphere. Her reporter friend Michael Behan makes his appearance; I still can't figure out the relationship between Jane and Michael, which intrigues me. Mrs. Tyler is as sweet and shy as ever. One of my favorite characters, however, was Leo Hirschfeld, a music hall pianist/singing waiter. Oh, but Leo was handsome and charming! He made me giggle, though I'm far from being a young lass. At story's end we discover that Jane will be traveling to Europe with Mrs. Tyler. I'm excited about the trouble no doubt awaiting Jane there!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is the third entry in Ms. Fredericks's historical mystery series featuring ladies maid, Jane Prescott.  The novels are set in New York in the early 1900s, with this story taking place in 1913. 

I read last year's title, Death of a New American, which I enjoyed so I was excited to receive an ARC of Death of an American Beauty.  This time Jane plans on taking a break from her ladies maid duties and intends to start by taking in a bit of culture.  She wants to attend an exhibit of the (radical) new artists of the Cubist movement. However, life does not always go as planned and instead Jane becomes involved in another murder investigation. Someone is murdered outside the home where Jane grew up.  Jane's uncle, who runs a refuge for former prostitutes there becomes a suspect.  Jane naturally becomes involved in the case wanting to clear her uncle.  She is helped by her friend, the reporter, Michael, a character known from the previous book. 


Fans of historical mysteries should enjoy this title.  The author does a good job creating an engaging situation for Jane.  Note that this title can be read as a standalone but the other titles in the series are also worth picking up.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I have not read the first two books in this series but I still really enjoyed this third book. I would recommend reading the first two because it might give a little more of Jane Prescott’s back story and they look enjoyable. I really liked the characters but once in a while I got a little confused who was who. It is nice to read about women in this time period that was just before a war. I enjoyed the bits of romance and the intrigue. I received a copy of this book from Minotaurbooks for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

"Death of an American Beauty" is the third in Mariah Fredericks' mystery series, set in Gilded Age New York and starring feisty lady's maid Jane Prescott. Jane was raised by her uncle, the Reverend Tewin Prescott, who runs a refuge (once a brothel) for fallen women.

After a young resident in the refuge is found brutally murdered nearby and her uncle comes under suspicion, Jane starts to investigate. She follows several red herrings before uncovering the killer - and almost becoming another victim.

Though the mystery is intriguing, I enjoyed this most for the historical context which the author brings to vibrant life!

Mariah Fredericks writes such an engaging mystery. The third book in her Jane Prescott series, she provided such atmosphere that I feel like I’m in 1913 with Jane, but Fredericks doesn’t let it over take the mystery. The third book’s mystery draws attention to Jane’s uncles refuge for former prostitutes, the plight of a pretty woman in a man’s world, the struggle of people of color, and how it all still keeps happening today. And also we’re introduced to a charming new love interest.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery. I is a well paced story and I liked that the mystery held up until the end.
Jane Prescott is a lady's maid in the beginning of 20th century New York. She's meant to be on a weeks holiday from her duties and has plans to see a major art show in the city. But murder gets in the way. The victims are former residents of a refuge for "fallen" women that her uncle runs. He is immediately suspect and won't talk about where he was. Things go from bad to worse with an unscrupulous journalist fanning the flames and nightly demonstrations against the refuge. Jane determines to discover who the real murderer is. What follows is a rich, well researched look into NYC at the turn of the century. Mariah Fredericks looks into all the gritty corners of the city and exposes the class prejudices of that time.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mariah Fredericks writes a novel set in the Progressive Era of New York with a remarkably unsentimental eye. Her heroine, Jane Prescott, the niece of a minister running a women’s shelter in Manhattan, finds herself involved in the death of several residents of the shelter. With the help of a jazz musician, and several crusading reporters, Jane sets out to track down the killer.

Jane’s adventures take her through many of the seamier venues of 1913 New York City, and it was a pleasure to ride along.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Death of an American Beauty is the third in Mariah Fredericks's compelling series, set in Gilded Age New York, featuring Jane Prescott.

Jane Prescott is taking a break from her duties as lady’s maid for a week, and plans to begin it with attending the hottest and most scandalous show in town: the opening of an art exhibition, showcasing the cubists, that is shocking New York City.

1913 is also the fiftieth anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation speech, and the city's great and good are determined to celebrate in style. Dolly Rutherford, heiress to the glamorous Rutherford’s department store empire, has gathered her coterie of society ladies to put on a play - with Jane’s employer Louise Tyler in the starring role as Lincoln himself. Jane is torn between helping the ladies with their costumes and enjoying her holiday. But fate decides she will do neither, when a woman is found murdered outside Jane’s childhood home - a refuge for women run by her uncle.

Deeply troubled as her uncle falls under suspicion and haunted by memories of a woman she once knew, Jane - with the help of old friends and new acquaintances, reporter Michael Behan and music hall pianist Leo Hirschfeld - is determined to discover who is making death into their own twisted art form."


I LIVE for the Gilded Age of New York!

3.5 stars

An entertaining historical mystery set in New York in 1913. Lady's maid Jane Prescott is supposedly having a vacation away from Lady Louise, but she soon gets sucked into helping with a society women's pageant being sponsored by a local department store.

Jane was raised by her uncle, who is a minister who runs a refuge for reformed prostitutes. His neighbors are hateful, to the point of picketing and physical violence. When one of the women is found murdered, suspicion falls on him. Jane and her reporter friend Michael Behan are soon investigating.

I have read all three of this series and I don't think it has coalesced yet, although the books are enjoyable. The first was a lot of Upstairs, Downstairs type interactions, the second dealt with some serious societal issues, and this one is more a straight mystery. Jane's background plays a part in this but the feeling is that there are still some hidden factors. Jane is a strong female heroine, smart and brave.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Authentic, atmospheric, and mysterious!

In this latest novel by Fredericks, Death of an American Beauty, we head back to Manhattan during the early twentieth century and into the life of lady’s maid, Jane Prescott whose highly-anticipated vacation is suddenly turned upside down when a resident of her uncle’s refuge for reformed prostitutes is found viciously murdered, and the American Beauty Pagent is in urgent need of a last-minute seamstress.

The prose is meticulous and rich. The characters are independent, intelligent, and resourceful. And the plot is a well-paced whodunit full of amateur sleuthing, red herrings, suspects, deduction, familial dynamics, duty, friendship, secrets, racial inequality, sexism, romance, violence, and murder.

Death of an American Beauty is the third book in the Jane Prescott series, and if you love historical mysteries, this novel won’t disappoint. It is a menacing, entertaining, vivid tale that is certainly well worth a read.

3.5 stars. This dragged a bit for me, but I'm going to blame that on my general difficulty concentrating on reading during all the current happenings. This series is really excellent, and gives the reader a chance to see into the daily lives of people who are often relegated to window dressing in many historical mystery series, where the focus is on the upper classes. I certainly enjoy those as well, but I love seeing a ladies' maid as the protagonist, as well as the other people in her orbit.

I didn't think the mystery was super compelling here, and the resolution depended on some rather dubious coincidences, but Jane Prescott and the historical details made up for anything that was lacking. Jane is on vacation for the events of the book, so we get to see even more of who she is apart from her employment, although she is wrangled into helping with costumes for a production her employer is part of. And the epilogue made me very excited for what is coming next!

I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in historical mysteries, but I'd start at the beginning rather than jumping in with this one.